You'd think it was my first rodeo. . .
I usually feel like a pretty successful knitter, but this time, not really.
I thought this earthy hemp and wool blend would be fun for this Navaho/western style sweater by Jennifer Berg. I like this design, but I really am not happy with how this sweater turned out.
The yarn, which I found on the 2024 Rose City Yarn Crawl, is DK weight, not the sport weight the pattern calls for. On the other hand, the needle size on the pattern is 7, which seems big for sport weight yarn. So I thought I'd try this heavier yarn. Swatching, I went down to a size 5 needle, and still had bigger stitches (ie fewer stitches and rows per inch) than the pattern specified. So I went down a size in the sweater, hoping for a good fit.
All in all, I think the sweater might be too big AND maybe I should have knit even tighter than I did. I finished this sweater in March, but never felt great wearing it. This windy spring shot is not the best (of me or the sweater). I expected the ruffling that starts just above the colorwork would have blocked out. But as you can see, it didn't. I may see if it fits someone with bigger shoulders better.
Rodeo
- designed by Jennifer Berg
- Size 4 and 5 needles (US)
- Lavender Lune yarn -- 80% superwash merino, 20% hemp 240 yds/100 grams in colors Shy Away (the orange), Natural, Blackbird, and Kinfolk (yarn isn't on the website)
I'm sorry it was a bit of a bust for you, though I think it looks pretty good for something you're not completely satisfied with. A size 7 needle is big for me even for worsted weight; I can't imagine using it for sport!
ReplyDeleteI also think it looks good but I can appreciate that feeling when things just don't feel or fit right. I rarely knit sweaters because it often feels like fit depends on whether the knitting gods are with you or not. Here's hoping for a better fit with your next rodeo!
ReplyDeleteI did not like the fit of my droopy Anker shirt until I unintentionally gained a few pounds which miraculously helped both my sweater and my face. Assuming that is not a wise option for you, maybe you could shrink it a bit? Stopping the dryer every few minutes to check on it. I do like that Jennifer Berg design, though! Chloe
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